Comments on: Labour move back ahead in Scotland

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:54:09 +0000

Well Nick, you are not necessarily representative, but I do think that the question of the views of English-born people is one that cannot be ignored. I think most will find it hard to vote for Scottish independence, and my reading of the 97 referendum and 2001 census seems to back that up.

In theory this could irk “native Scots” in a close-fought referendum. In reality, support for independence is relatively weak- lots of people support it- just not very strongly. I doubt they’ll be going around lighting fires and slashing car tyres if a referendum is lost on the back of English “5th columnists”

Of course, there is none so Unionist as the Scottish unionist!

By: Nick Keene

Nick Keene — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:30:53 +0000

As I am an Englishman who has been living in Scotland for the last 24 years then my oft expressed views on independence on this site probably come as no surprise. Of all the political issues I know this subject is the most emotive. The feelings of those English people who like me oppose seperation are largely ignored if not ridiculed by the more fervent nationalist supporters. We may constitute only 8% of the electorate but having married into Scottish communities and raised families in this magnificent country our influence outweighs our numbers and come a referendum that influence will be seen to play a vital role. The SNP supporters will as ever sneer at that suggestion as they jeer at anything to do with the English but come a referendum they may come to regret it.

By: NorthBriton

NorthBriton — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:23:55 +0000

A question. What would be the effect of LIT on second homes and holiday homes? At present owners pay, I think, 90% council tax. But if they are paying LIT in another council region already – or, indeed, aren’t domiciled in Scotland – they surely can’t be billed for LIT for their other properties. I know a number of folk who would be interested.

BTW on: “I’m also surprised at a poll showing Labour doing well among the under-25s in Scotland, and the SNP strong among the over 55s. This feels the wrong way round to me.”

I’m not surprised. This reflects the strong results the SNP gained in the 70′s on the back of “It’s Scotland’s Oil”. Those voters, then in their 20′s are now in their 50′s. Young people now, I suspect, are better educated and more cosmopolitan is their sympathies. Scottish nationalism simply doesn’t make as much sense to them or seem relevant. My view has always been that independence could only come if events conspired to allow a referendum in the immediate aftermath of an SNP victory at Holyrood when the novelty value was high and the momentum was strong. The financial crisis and the part-nationalisation of the Scottish banks has poured a cold douche of reality over the whole independence project and pricked Salmond’s bubble. I’m not saying that the SNP won’t continue to win elections but I do think independence has been dealt a very significant setback.
PS – I expect the SNP to win Glenrothes relatively handily.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:41:33 +0000

Well, the latest polls had support for independence at 35% and against at 43%. That appears to be an 8% difference! What would the figures look like if those born outwith Scotland were excluded? Not that this would be desirable or feasible, but I think it’s an interesting angle if we ever do get a referendum. Nobody ever seems to want to raise this question about what constitutes a Scot.

Does anyone believe that 35% of English-born residents of Scotland would back Scottish independence to only 43% against? Many would find it psychologically difficult to endorse “separatism”, though greater devolution, federalism etc could appeal for other reasons.

By: Cllr Peter cairns (SNP)

Cllr Peter cairns (SNP) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:05:54 +0000

Steve,

I doubt with only 8% of the population we can say anything of any real significance about the “English” vote in Scotland.

Tom,

LIT is extremely popuar with pensioners in that most pensioners will pay far less and they are a group who tend to feel cost of e council tax more than most.

Peter.